May 2024 Issue

Would you describe yourself as a confident rider? As Alison Buttery explains in this issue of Horse&Rider, it’s not as binary as you may imagine. There are so many kinds of confidence, and therefore ways to improve it. And what you need at one point in your journey isn’t necessarily the same as at another. It feels like a really empowering idea to see your confidence as a journey, and adaptable, rather than present or missing.

Vet Nicky Jarvis explores a subject we will all face at some point – considering end of life care for our horses. Editor Louise knows from personal experience that, while it’s all too easy to put off thinking about it, considering what constitutes quality of life for your horse, what’s in their best interests, and the support you may need when the time comes to say goodbye will only make loss easier to bear.

Even if your dressage aspirations stop at Novice level, or you have no plans to compete at all, learning to ride some of the more complicated lateral movements will benefit your horse in so many ways. Dressage trainer Dan Greenwood shares his tips and exercises that will help you get to grips with travers. Why not give it a go in your next session?

After 10 years overseeing design on Horse&Rider, Head of Art and Design Sarah is celebrating having overseen 20 gear guide issues. From spring/summer shoots that have been snowed off to heatwaves for our autumn/winter photography, we’ve had it all. So it was a nice surprise to have some seasonal, warm spring sunshine in which to photograph the gorgeous kit coming to a tack shop near you soon. The day is all about team work, from Assistant Ed Sarah and photographer Jon to Production Editor Franchesca and our amazing host, Dani, as well as brilliant models, Ellie, Seb and Karen. So, don’t miss our gear guide supplement with this issue – it’s full to the brim with the latest looks for you and your horse, plus rugs on test and our guide to cross-country boots!

All this and so much more in May Horse&Rider – on sale now!